Litterbugs to feel the sting

Caught on camera: Photo of a staged scenario where people who throw rubbish indiscriminately may be caught red-handed as the local council increases enforcement to keep the streets clean. — KT GOH/The Star

PENANG is going all out to improve its image in an effort to provide the best experience to visitors.

From compounding litterbugs to ramping up its cleaning efforts, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is focusing its attention on tourist hotspots on the island.

“The city council aims to educate the public (on the need for cleanliness),” said MBPP Urban Services Department deputy director Mohd Zamzuri Hussain.

“We want to elevate the experience for visitors and holidaymakers.”

He said 118 compounds had been issued this year against litterbugs at tourist hotspots such as the promenade near Queensbay Mall, Karpal Singh Drive and the Esplanade, as of May 21.

“We want this to serve as a warning and deterrent not to litter in public places,” he said.

Mohd Zamzuri said compounds of RM250 were issued under the council’s Public Cleanliness and Safety By-Law 1980, while compounds of RM500 were issued under Section 47(1) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.

“If they are able to settle the compounds within 14 days, there may be discounts of up to 50% for some offences, but not all are eligible.

“If the compounds are not paid within a month, we will initiate legal action to serve reminders and bring the cases to court,” he said.

Dubbed the MBPP Anti-Littering Team, enforcers from the city council patrol the identified areas regularly to catch offenders red-handed.

The team’s operation on May 21 saw seven compounds issued.

Mohd Zamzuri said upcoming measures would include equipping enforcement officers with bodycam to record interactions and capture violations, which might be used as evidence.

He said MBPP would also raise awareness through public education programmes, including posts on social media about enforcement action from time to time.

Some of the offenders, he added, gave various excuses to justify their action of littering.

The excuses included dustbins being full, not seeing rubbish bins or no-littering signage, accidentally dropping the trash or forgetting and leaving it behind.

“Some would not accept the compound and would argue with our personnel,” said Mohd Zamzuri.

He said there were others, however, who accepted that they had violated the law with their irresponsible behaviour.

He also highlighted that his department had revamped its cleaning work schedule as well.

“We now start work an hour earlier, at 6am in hotspots such as Karpal Singh Drive and the Esplanade, with between three and six workers per shift.

“More enforcement personnel are also being deployed and they go around in two groups.

“This is to increase the frequency of operations on weekends and public holidays.

“Reports of enforcement operations are shared on social media to increase awareness and serve as a reminder to others,” he added.

Meanwhile, a spokesman from the city council said there was no specific target set but it would try its best to improve cleanliness in public places and appealed for everyone to cooperate to keep Penang island clean.

“Apart from ensuring that local hawkers and traders help to upkeep cleanliness, MBPP will look into illegal businesses which is a growing problem at these hotspots.

“They are contributing to additional rubbish, so we will monitor and take action,” said the spokesman.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin had earlier announced the state’s “Leave No Trace” campaign to prepare for a spike in visitors during the June school holidays.

He had said that ever since the reopening of borders and the transition to endemic phase, the “Responsible Tourism” campaign had pivoted to emphasise environmental cleanliness.

“Tourism is Penang’s asset and we must ensure that our cleanliness and hygiene are not compromised.

“The state also saw a surge in the volume of waste over the long Labour Day weekend, especially in food packaging.

“Improper disposal of waste will affect Penang’s environment and public hygiene,” he said in a statement.

It was reported on May 11 that nearly 3,000 tonnes of trash were left behind during the long Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday.

From April 30 to May 4, MBPP collected 2,874.99 tonnes of rubbish from tourist spots and busy streets.

Mohd Zamzuri had cited the Esplanade, Batu Ferringhi, Karpal Singh Drive and Persiaran Bayan Indah as popular with visitors.

He had said that most of the rubbish collected comprised food and beverage packaging, and advised visitors to always keep public areas clean.

“Traders also play an important role by collecting and disposing of rubbish in the bins provided,” he said.

In January, parts of the Bukit Kukus paired road, the highest elevated highway in the country, were found strewn with rubbish from motorists who stopped for the view and littered the area.

The highway became an eyesore with food wrappings, used fast-food containers and plastic bags of half-eaten food dropped along the roadside and left on the railings.

Two concerned citizens made a TikTok video of themselves picking up the rubbish left behind by other visitors.

Beaches were also not spared. It was reported in April that plastic beverage bottles, cigarette butts and food wrappers were among the rubbish thrown by tourists on the beach in Batu Ferringhi over a weekend.

In a statement on its Facebook page, MBPP said 10 personnel spent about five hours to collect about 1.5 tonnes of rubbish.

The Consumers Association of Penang had expressed disappointment over widespread littering, especially during the holiday period.

Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said it showed a lack of civic-mindedness and care for the environment.

“Some people are just not bothered about keeping the environment clean.

“They always think someone else will pick up their rubbish,” he had reportedly said.